Mpox epidemic remains international health emergency warns WHO
June 9, 2025
On June 5, 2025, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee meeting. With over 37,000 confirmed cases and 125 deaths across 25 countries since early 2024, the epidemic remains deeply entrenched. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for 60% of cases, while Uganda, Burundi, and Sierra Leone face mounting surges. Despite some progress, the resurgence in West Africa and undetected spread globally demand urgent international coordination, improved surveillance, and funding to prevent further escalation of this complex, transcontinental public health threat.
At the June 5, 2025 meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus officially extended the classification of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This decision underscores the persistent and growing risk posed by the mpox epidemic, which has now surpassed 37,000 confirmed cases and 125 deaths across 25 countries. The outbreak, which began in early 2024 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), remains concentrated there, with the country accounting for 60% of cases and 40% of fatalities.
While global response efforts have led to improvements in some areas, the resurgence in West Africa and reports of undetected transmission outside of Africa signal an ongoing public health threat. Uganda and Burundi continue to report high caseloads, and Sierra Leone has seen a sharp increase in infections this year. According to the Emergency Committee, gaps in surveillance, underreporting, and chronic underfunding for treatment have hindered progress. These structural weaknesses leave many countries vulnerable and undermine global containment efforts.
Mpox, characterized by rashes and flu-like symptoms, poses a serious threat, particularly in regions with strained healthcare systems. The Committee's recommendation for continued international support highlights the need for equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, especially in low-resource settings. Additionally, robust cross-border coordination and increased funding for national response systems are essential to interrupt transmission.
With global health systems already burdened by overlapping crises, sustained vigilance and collective action are paramount. The reaffirmation of mpox as an international emergency is a timely reminder that early momentum must not fade. Without coordinated intervention, the epidemic could intensify further, increasing human suffering and global health insecurity. The world must act now—not just in response, but in solidarity.